Ode to Joy

As we close our tribute to Leonard Bernstein, our season finale features his Chichester Psalms, which has strong connections to his Jewish faith. Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, a work that Bernstein conducted when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, concludes our season. Soloists Albert Lee, Myka Murphy, Chelsea Shephard and Hans Tashjian join the JSO along with the Jackson Chorale and choirs from Hillsdale College and Spring Arbor University.

Program Schedule

Leonard BernsteinChichester Psalms

———Intermission———

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125 “Choral”

Runtime: 2H

Music Preview

Concert Sponsor

Guest Soloist Hans Tashjian

Hans Tashjian, a young bass described as having “a firm, resonant instrument and a gravid stage presence,” is continuing to expand his repertoire with opera companies across the country. Most recently, Hans appeared as 2nd Armored Man and in the family matinee as Sarastro in Central City Opera’s Die Zauberflöte. He also made his role and company debut as Betto di Signa in Opera Delaware’s double bill of Gianni Schicchi and its contemporary sequel Buoso’s Ghost. Prior to that he sang Melcthal in Guillaume Tell with Opera Southwest, Luther and Crespel in St Petersburg Opera’s Les contes d’Hoffmann, Imperial Commissioner in Madama Butterfly, 2nd Officer in Dialogues des Carmelites, and Mustafá cover in L’italiana in Algeri with Sarasota Opera. Other roles include Ferrando in Il trovatore, The Mikado and Pooh Bah in The Mikado, Dr. Grenvil in La traviata, Biterolf in Tannhäuser, King René in Iolanta, Banquo in Macbeth, Daland in Der fliegende Holländer, and Baron Ochs in Der Rosenkavalier. Mr. Tashjian has completed Young Artist Residencies with Sarasota Opera, Opera Southwest, Chautauqua Opera, Caramoor Music Festival, and Central City Opera. He has appeared as a concert soloist with the Cathedral of St John the Divine, the Chelsea Symphony, the Canadian Chamber Orchestra of NYC, the New Jersey Conservatory, and the Pittsburgh Bach Choir.

Guest Soloist Chelsea Shephard

Soprano Chelsea Shephard has been praised by Opera News for her “pure leggero soprano–with surprises to come,” and her “rich and vibrant artistry” (The Isthmus). Her performances during the 2017-2018 season included the title role in a workshop with the Metropolitan Opera of Eurydice by Matthew Aucoin, concert appearances with the New York Festival of Song, and a role debut as Purcell’s Dido with the Madison Bach Musicians. In the summer of 2018, Ms. Shephard performed with the Choral Society of the Hamptons as soloist in Carmina Burana. Upcoming engagements in the 2018-19 season include soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Jackson Symphony Orchestra (Michigan).

Other recent engagements include joining the roster of the Lyric Opera of Chicago for their new production of Das Rheingold; her Carnegie Hall debut as the soprano soloist in the Brahms Requiem; a world premiere by Syrian composer Zaid Jabri entitled A Garden Among the Flames, as well as leading and supporting roles with Madison Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, and Haymarket Opera Company, Chicago’s only dedicated Baroque opera company.

Read more

Ms. Shephard’s operatic roles include the title role in Cavalli’s La Calisto, the Mozart heroines Pamina, Susanna and Despina, and the wicked stepsister Clorinda in La Cenerentola, among others. Ms. Shephard performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago as a Finalist for the Ryan Opera Center (2015), and was also a Finalist for Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition (2016). As a Principal Artist with Madison Opera, she performed Beth in Adamo’s Little Women. Prior to this, as a 2014-2015 Studio Artist, Ms. Shephard covered Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Marzelline in Fidelio, and sang Berta in Il Barbiere di Siviglia in April 2015, all under the baton of Maestro John DeMain.

In her young career, Ms. Shephard has performed hundreds of concerts with organizations such as the New York Festival of Song (at Caramoor, North Fork, and their Mainstage), on tour with fortepianist Trevor Stephenson for CD release recitals of her debut album, “Songs by Mozart, Haydn & Schubert,” and with The Madison Bach Musicians for performances of works by Handel, Rameau, and Bach. She has also appeared with The Chicago Bach Ensemble, in recital with Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago, and has performed with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Ms. Shephard has joined internationally acclaimed composer/pianist Eric Genuis on several U.S. concert tours.

Ms. Shephard won first prize in the following competitions: the Handel Aria Competition in Madison, WI (2014), The Schubert Club Bruce P. Carlson Competition in St. Paul, MN (2013), and the National Opera Association Vocal Competition in San Antonio, TX (2011). She has also appeared as a finalist in the following competitions: Jensen Foundation Competition in NYC (2014), The Union League Civic & Arts Club of Chicago (2013), and the Bel Canto Foundation of Chicago (2012).

A native of Paw Paw, Michigan, Ms. Shephard earned her Master of Music from Rice University where she studied with Kathleen Kaun, Jan De Chambrier and Richard Bado. She attended DePaul University for her Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, under the tutelage of Jane Bunnell, Susanne Mentzer and Harry Silverstein.

Spring Arbor University ChoirRichard Hintze, director

Richard Hintze is Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music at Spring Arbor University, in Spring Arbor, Michigan, where he conducts the Chamber Choir and University Singers; teaches conducting, choral methods, rehearsal strategies, and aural training; and supervises choral student teachers. Before coming to Spring Arbor University in 2016, Dr. Hintze had previously taught in both the choral and music education programs at Texas State University in San Marcos, where he served as Associate Director of Choral Activities, and the University of Arizona in Tucson. His career spans four decades of choral conducting experience in academic, professional, church and community settings, with adults and students of all ages. He is also currently the Choir and Orchestra Director at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church. Hintze recently made his international conducting debut with the Wonju Civic Chorale in Wonju, South Korea.

Read more

Dr. Hintze is a Life Member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and has served in various leadership positions, including as President of the Arizona chapter of ACDA, and President of the Choral Directors of Arizona (NAfME). His choirs have performed at state ACDA and NAfME conferences, and have toured the Southwest and Midwest extensively.

His most recent scholarly research has centered on the music of Kent A. Newbury, an American composer from Chicago who spent most of his career in Scottsdale, Arizona, and had over 280 choral pieces published in his lifetime. As a professional singer, Hintze has performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus, AwenRising Professional Chamber Choir, and the Sonoran Desert Chorale.

Dr. Hintze is well-known as a choral clinician and adjudicator in Michigan, Arizona, Texas, and Washington state, and has presented workshops for and been published with state and regional organizations. Dr. Hintze holds a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona, Tucson; a MM in Choral Conducting from Texas State University, San Marcos; and a BM in Choral Music Education from Arizona State University, Tempe.

Event Navigation

What do I wear?
Dress is whatever makes you feel comfortable. You will see people in everything from suits to jeans and everything in between.

When do I applaud?
This is tricky. The tradition is that you wait until the conclusion of the work, last movement in the case of symphonies, concertos, etc. On the other hand, no pun intended, you should feel comfortable expressing your response to the music whenever you feel moved to do so. Italian opera goers cheer or boo in the middle of arias if they have the urge. A safe out is to wait until others start.

How much do I need to know about classical music to appreciate a concert?
No courses necessary. Music is the language of the spirit as much as the mind. The universal language speaks directly to the listener, no interpreter necessary, enjoy! For a more in depth look at the music being performed, all JSO ticket holders are entitled to attend the complimentary JSO pre-concert lecture “Backstage Glimpses” hosted by Dr. Bruce Brown, JSO Composer in Residence. Backstage Glimpses takes place at 6:30 pm preceding each subscription concert. Dr. Brown leads a lively, enlightening and informative look at the evening's repertoire. Guest Artists are generally present to give a brief talk on the music they will be performing and to answer audience questions. Backstage Glimpses are held backstage in the Green Room. Entry is through the side door south of the main Potter Center entrance and is noted by a sign as you approach the building.

Can I bring my child to an evening concert?
Children are welcome to attend all our events provided that they are supervised by an adult. Every child must have a ticket. For a family with small children we encourage you to attend a rehearsal. Phone the JSO office, (517) 782-3221 x117 for details.

Is the JSO a 501(c)3?
Yes! That means any donation you make to the JSO is a tax deductible donation to the full extent provided by law.

How can I make a contribution?
The ways are numerous including annual fund, endowment, planned giving, volunteering and several more. Please click here for more information.

Can I take photographs during the concert?
Photographing or taping JSO concerts is strictly prohibited. No recording devices or cameras are permitted without special authorization from the JSO.

Can I rent the JSO Downtown Music Center for functions?
Yes, our facility at 215 W. Michigan has proved to be an excellent venue for recitals, business meetings and even memorial services. Please contact us to learn more.

Can I hire orchestra musicians to play at an event?
Some of our musicians do perform at weddings and other special functions. Please contact the Orchestra Personnel Manager at: jso2007@jacksonsymphony.org.

If I arrive to a concert late, will I be seated immediately?
The JSO makes every attempt to begin concerts on time. In deference to the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience in the hall, latecomers will not be seated until after the conclusion of the first work on the program, and there will be no seating break during any work. Patrons who leave the hall before or during a work will not be reseated until after the work is completed. Your usher will alert you as soon as it is possible to be seated. House lights are dimmed to indicate that the concert is about to begin.

How can I find out if a concert has been cancelled due to inclement weather?
To find out if a scheduled JSO performance has been cancelled due to inclement weather, hazardous roads, power outages and the like, call the box office at 517-782-3221 x117.

I've misplaced my tickets for tomorrow's concert, what should I do?
If subscription tickets are lost, call (517)782-3221 x117. The JSO will verify the purchase through its records. Subscribers may then pick up an entry pass at the box office prior to the concert. These passes cannot be exchanged. The lost ticket policy does not apply to tickets already exchanged. (If they call the day before the concert, we write passes which the guest picks up at our “will call” table at JCC after 6:30 PM the night of the concert.)

Can I donate my unused tickets?
Ticket holders unable to use or exchange their tickets are encouraged to call the JSO Box Office at (517)782-3221, ext. 117, at least 24 hours in advance of the concert. The value of each ticket can be used as a tax-deductible contribution. The JSO will send a donation letter and a CD of the missed performance to the donor.

Can I leave my cellphone on during a concert?
Cellular phones, pagers and alarm watches should be turned off while in the hall. Patrons should ask for the House Manager to report an emergency during a concert, or to make special arrangements to receive emergency phone calls during a concert. The JSO appreciates the audience’s cooperation in avoiding any extraneous sounds during the concerts. The hall microphones used to record the orchestra are extremely sensitive and will even record the sound of a wristwatch chime.

Does the JSO provide discounted ticket prices for groups?
Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Call (517) 782-3221 for details.

How do I get my band or myself booked to play at The Wax?
We get lots of requests from artists who would like to play at The Wax and appreciate your interest. We try to book a variety of local, regional, national and international acts for our stage. If you are a touring act with an established audience who would like to headline at The Wax, or if you are a local or regional artist who would be interested in an opening slot or in appearing in one of our showcases, please send an email to stevet@jacksonsymphony.org to inquire about booking opportunities. Please include in your email links to your music, your social media links, a brief biography, a brief tour history (local and/or regional/national), contact information (email address & phone number) and target routing dates. We do our best to review and respond to all requests in a timely basis, but please understand if it takes us a while to reply.

I’m coming in from out of town, is there any place to eat close by?”
A full list of restaurants in the Jackson area can be found at the Experience Jackson website. Options within walking distance of The Wax include Bella Note, Chilango’s Burrito Bar, Chilango’s Chop House, Grand River Brewery, Night Light, and The Chase Sports Bar.

How about a hotel that’s nearby?
There are many hotel options within easy driving distance of The Wax. A full list of Jackson area hotels can be found at the Experience Jackson website.

What time does the concert start?
Unless otherwise noted on our website, all of our concerts start at 8:00. Doors to The Wax will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

I’d like to bring my child(ren) to the concert, do I need to buy a ticket for them?
We think music is a universal experience and should be shared by those of all ages, so children are welcome at The Wax, but they do need a ticket unless they are small enough to sit in a lap during the concert. Also, since our room provides an intimate listening experience, we ask that children be able to sit quietly for the duration of the show (generally 75 to 90 minutes).

Where should I park?
There is plentiful street parking around our building and there are also Jackson City Parking Lots available on West Michigan Avenue, just east of South Jackson and just west of Mechanic Streets or on Pearl Street, just east of Blackstone and just west of South Jackson Streets.

I’ve bought tickets, but now can’t come to the concert; can I get a refund?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds for concert tickets.

The weather is really bad; will the concert still take place?
In the rare event that a concert is cancelled we will immediately post a notification on our website along with any information about possibly rescheduling or refund information.

I (or my business) would like to be involved in the Music on Tap Series; are sponsorship opportunities available?
Sponsorship opportunities are available at many different levels. For more information, please click here to see our Support page.

We have special seating needs, is The Wax accessible?
The Wax is fully accessible. If you know you are coming to the show and you have accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make sure you are accommodated.

Are you on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter?
We are on Facebook and Instagram. Please like and follow us to stay up-to-date on everything that is happening.

Folk, Americana, Rock, etc. – Great music across multiple genres with the great live performance being the common thread. See these performers in an intimate setting while you still can; they’re headed for the big time! Click here to see our Facebook page.